Does Sasha =Mathias?

[ChoiceBeef]

BTW - ChoiceBeef - you a cattleman, or your handle just another admiration of Swanigan?

Nope - just a nickname

I honestly like the way Spike seems to be getting into form at just the right time. I think he played PJ more because of the uncertainty with Spike.

I like the way this is shaping up for a strong tourney run

 

[njm8845]

I think he's a cross between Ryne Smith, Ryne Cline and Dakota. They all had significant development to make in order to earn playing time. I mean if I told you 3 years ago Dakota would be one of our best defensive players, starting, etc. - you probably would have laughed. It's a testament to his work ethic. He has a physical ceiling, but you can make up for it in so many ways. The same thing for Ryne Smith.

There's no guarantees with anyone - but Sasha's career development will be dependent on him. If he works hard, he can earn playing time.

I think the one big advantage he will have is he will be able to redshirt, something those guys were not able to do because of some depth issues. We basically threw away one season for Ryne, Dakota, etc. - something Sasha won't have to do.

Thanks for pulling this thread back on topic...

Painter has said that one of his biggest regrets is not redshirting Smith.

But Smith was still a good player for Purdue his last two years. Not sure why anyone would insult him. Besides being a great shooter, he had a great A/TO ratio and the ball seemed to flow much much better with him in the game.

 

[daisyrail1619]

Sasha won't be like Weatherford, he hesitated simply because he hadn't received his best off yet. He wants to come to Purdue and if Purdue gives him an offer he would take it without a question. That's why he waited so long. He had his top four interests but the only place he wants to come is West Lafayette, that's why he immediately accepted our offer after Basil left. His family is huge Purdue fans and his older brother graduated from Purdue last summer. There are so many pictures of them coming to the games on his mother's Instagram.

 

[Dakota Girl]

Eastern is coming here to play the point. I know he's open to other positions, but CMP has stated several times that he's a point. I could see PJ coming off the bench next year.

deleted due to being repetitive

 

[BoilerBulldog]

No he won't. PJ is very efficient at the point and has earned his starting spot contrary to the dismay of some here on this forum. Unless PJ completely implodes, he starts all next year.

This. PJT has earned the starting role.

 

[BoilerAndy]

Nope - just a nickname

I honestly like the way Spike seems to be getting into form at just the right time. I think he played PJ more because of the uncertainty with Spike.

I like the way this is shaping up for a strong tourney run

After a hustle play, Spike got up and was rubbing his hip as if he tweaked it. He continued playing well, though.

 

[BoilerAndy]

I mean if I told you 3 years ago Dakota would be one of our best defensive players, starting, etc. - you probably would have laughed.

There are probably many long-time Purdue fans here who would not have laughed. Over the years we have seen many, many players make great strides on both offense and defense.